Capt. Cook man charged in stolen truck case

A Captain Cook man has been charged with numerous offenses stemming from the investigation of a stolen pickup truck, according to Big Island police.

On Oct. 21, police responded to a report that a 2011 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck had been stolen while it was parked along Mamalahoa Highway in Captain Cook.

Police investigation led to the recovery of the stolen truck from a parking lot in Kealakekua on Jan. 3. Police executed a search warrant on the truck and recovered 8 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a glass pipe with residue, and a loaded handgun. Further investigation led to the identity of the person who had control of the truck.

On Tuesday, police arrested 32-year-old Joshua Watan of Captain Cook. He was taken to the Kona police cellblock while detectives continued the investigation.

On Thursday, he was charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, theft, meth trafficking, promoting a dangerous drug, drug paraphernalia, five firearm offenses, four counts of violating release on bail and first-degree terroristic threatening for making a threat to a law enforcement officer while in custody. His bail was set at $184,000. He remains at the cellblock pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Friday.

Chad Simmerman, 36, who frequents the South Kohala and Kona areas, is wanted on a bench warrant for contempt of court and for questioning in connection with a violation of order and criminal property damage investigations.

Norman Nakamoto, 79, of Kailua-Kona was indicted on numerous drug and firearms charges. He pleaded not guilty to trafficking and promotion of meth as well as possession of a firearm with the intent to commit a felony.

Kiel Brende, 28, of Waa Waa was charged with second-degree assault after he was accused of assaulting his neighbor. The 47-year-old man went to the hospital with substantial injuries to his face and body.

Kekoa J.K. Krueger of Kauai had his appeal over a second-degree robbery conviction denied on March 13. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he was convicted of holding a victim down while another man beat him and took his wallet on April 6, 2011 near the Nawiliwili Tavern.

On June 2, police arrested 24-year-old Ethan Bailey of Mountain View. He was taken to the Hilo police cellblock and charged on June 4 with first-degree burglary, second-degree theft and third-degree theft.

At 5:45 p.m. on June 21, 20-year-old Sloan Kalau Deleon was arrested for contempt of court and on a no-bail warrant for violating probation.

At 2 a.m. on June 22, 27-year-old Leo Isamu Corpuz was arrested and charged with burglary, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, six counts of theft, two counts of theft/forgery of a credit card, eight counts of unauthorized possession of personal information, fraudulent use of a motor vehicle license plate and driving without a license.

On Sept. 5, Scott Taira, 21, of Pepe'ekeo was charged with first-degree burglary and first-degree theft after he accused of burglarizing a home in Pepe'ekeo on Sept. 4.

Rayner Kinney Jr., 62, of Ka'u was charged with violating a protective order and promoting a detrimental drug. He was also arrested for suspicion of attempted murder and other charges in connection with a domestic dispute in May.

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